DK ZP to roll out state's first Akka Cafe Trucks
The initiative follows the success of two Akka Cafes opened by Adiparshakti women SHG at Ujire and Snehasanjeevini Women SHG at Munnoor in Ullal. Akka Cafe outlets are being opened by women, through self-help groups under National Rural Livelihoods Mission (NRLM).
ZP CEO Narwade Vinayak Karbhari told TOI that women SHGs will be given financial aid of up to Rs 15 lakh and Rs 7 lakh for the purchase of trucks and operational costs, respectively.
"The Akka Cafe Trucks scheme was announced for the first time recently, and we also received a circular a week ago. We are in the process of identifying locations for the trucks in the district," he said.
A proposal for Akka Cafe Trucks will be sent after identifying suitable locations near hospitals and other crowded places, he said. In addition, a proposal has been sent to open an Akka Cafe at the Kukke Subrahmanya Temple premises as well.
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The zilla panchayat also identified various other locations where Akka Cafe can be opened. The Kutumbasri National Resource Unit will check the feasibility and submit a report.
Later, the zilla panchayat will submit proposals for additional locations, he said.
Speaking of the Akka Cafe at Ujire, the ZP CEO said that the outlet gets an average transaction of Rs 9,000 to Rs 12,000 per day. Meanwhile, the outlet at Munnoor recorded an average transaction of Rs 5,000 to Rs 7,000 daily. "The zilla panchayat has plans to expand the cafe's network by checking feasibility at various locations in the district. The main purpose of the cafe is to empower women through SHGs," he added.
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